Implementing Technology Scouting to Increase Innovation

2 - 3 October 2008
Sheraton Hotel, Heathrow, London

TWO DAY EXECUTIVE WORKSHOP from one of the foremost expert on how to identify, structure and implement effective technology partnerships.

Setting up programmes to accelerate innovation through external sourcing

Background

Going outside to acquire new products and technologies can speed up and improve technical development, free up scarce internal resources for other high-impact activities, and lead to greater innovation.

The key is being open (versus threatened) and knowing when to go outside, where to look, how to qualify sources, and integrating new externally-developed technologies for rapid commercialization – at a profit to your company.

Rather than relying on ad hoc and sometimes haphazard approaches to technology sourcing, many firms are adopting formal Technology Scouting programs to provide a structured, focused approach to identifying and acquiring new technology, and technology based product and service innovations. 

Implementing Technology Scouting
Setting up programs to accelerate innovation through external sourcing

Developing and launching innovative new products and services is challenging. Firms may lack the right resources or find available resources are better used elsewhere. There are often concerns about the inherent risk of the innovative projects or the existence of internal resistance to new technology approaches or platforms.

External sourcing programs can help, but require care in their organization and operation to ensure they complement and not compete with existing development efforts.

Several elements are critical:

• Having a clear connection to existing development programs
• Knowing what technologies are needed
• Developing skill in using multiple sources for identifying and qualifying sources
• Having a process for effectively integrating external technologies.

Making Technology Scouting Work
How to create value from external relationships

Knowing what you need and where to find it is often the easiest part of scouting. Once you have decided to go outside many questions remain:

• How do you validate the potential source using both hard and soft measures of fit and suitability?
• What changes are required in your own organization to ensure that the external technology, product or service will find a home?
• How do you structure the relationships so they speed up rather than slow down the development effort and enhance rather than detract from your development goals?
• How do you manage the relationship, the team, the IP and the exit?

These questions will be addressed in the context of a four-part model of external relationships.

Event Sponsors:

Hype Softwaretechnik creates idea management software for new product development. Our flagship solution, HypeIMT, supports global leaders such as BASF, DaimlerChrysler, and Siemens in managing the innovation process. HypeIMT's flexibility enables quick and cost-effective implementation, controlled change management, and customizable functionality that allows information sharing. Hype's unique pricing makes HypeIMT an attractive choice for clients of all sizes.

Bubble is a management consultancy specialising in New Product Development. The company helps its clients achieve enduring growth through improved new product strategies and product development processes. A comprehensive approach leads to world class performance in identifying the right products, developing them right first time, and establishing the right supply chains to maximize product profitability.

Strategyn UK helps product and service companies in B2B and B2C sectors create corporate innovation programs that drive product, service, operational, and business model innovation. We enable companies to create a culture of innovation and a systematic, rigorous engine for risk-mitigated organic growth. At the heart of our approach is Outcome-Driven Innovation^TM.

Yet2.com is a global technology transfer marketplace and licensing consulting company. Yet2.com works with companies small and large supporting their innovation activities through technology acquisition and exploitation consulting services and their unique technology transfer marketplace and global network.